| Relangi Venkata Ramaiah | |
|---|---|
| Born | 13 August 1910 Ravulapalem, AP, India |
| Died | 26 November 1975 (aged 65) Tadepalligudem, AP, India |
| Occupation | actor and Playback Singer |
| Spouse | Sridevamma |
Relangi Venkata Ramaiah (Telugu: రేలంగి వెంకటరామయ్య) (13 August 1910 – 26 November 1975) was a comedian during the golden years of Telugu film. Hailing from East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, he has acted in several films as chief comedian, hero, anti-hero and character artiste.
During his golden days, Relangi was so popular that he was paid equally as that of a main hero and heroine of the film. He was also a good playback singer in Telugu. His songs were so popular that people remember and enjoy till today.That impact was such that audience started expecting separate songs for his character in the movies though he was a comedian actor.
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Relangi was born at Ravulapalem village of East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh. He was a professional Harikatha performer and also an expert Harmonium player.[1] He Grew up in Kakinada, he didn't show interest in education due to passion in acting.
Relangi started his initial career acting in Stage and Folk Theatre and also took female roles in Stage Theatre.He started his Film Career by playing a Vidushaka (Jester) role in his first Telugu film Sri Krishna Thulaabaaram in 1935 under C. Pullaiah direction. Later on, he assisted director C. Pullaiah as a Production Manager till he got a major break with film Gollabhama released in 1947. After he played the comedy role in Vindhyarani which was a super hit, he was a regular face in all the movies made under Vijaya Films banner from 1950. He has grown so popular that he was given a chance to play comedian hero role in Pakkinti Ammayi in 1953 under Pullayya opposite Anjali Devi.[2]
Notable performances are from Gunasundari Katha, Missamma, Mayabazar, Nartanasala, Donga Ramudu, Iddaru Mitrulu, Chaduvukunna Ammayilu, Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu, Velugu Needalu, Vipra Narayana,andPreminchi Choodu
As a comedian actor, he was quite popular in combination with actress Girija, actress Suryakantham, and another comedian actor Ramana Reddy. These combinations were repeated for several super hit movies in Telugu. Some of the well known movies in which Relangi acted were shown below
1930s
1940s
1950s
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1960s
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1970s
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Some of the well known songs sung by Relangi were for the following movies:
| Year | Film | Song |
|---|---|---|
| 1949 | Gunasundari Katha | Adiye Eduraivachche Daka Pada Munduku Padipodam |
| 1951 | Patala Bhairavi | Talalene Ne Talalene Vinave Bala Naa Prema Gola |
| 1952 | Dharma Devata | Virise Vennelalo |
| 1954 | Vipra Narayana | Aadadhi Ante Layam Layam Aa Needantene Bhayam Bhayam |
| 1955 | Missamma | Dharmam Cheyyi Babu Kaani Dharmam Seetaram Seetaram Seetaram Jai Seetaram |
In 1954, he became the first comedian in the Indian film industry to receive the Padma Shri, a civilian award from the Government of India. Also he is the first Padma Shri recipient from Andhra Pradesh.